‘You’re a disgrace to Christianity!’ Bishop Cline blasted on FB

The principles and spiritual values of Bishop John I. Cline have come under attack as components of his book ‘Monogamy Mystery: Natural /Unnatural?’ have created a major stir via social media following a recent interview he did with the ‘Jamaica Gleaner’ while on the island promoting his book. Photo: Provided/File

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The principles and spiritual values of Bishop John I. Cline have come under attack as components of his book ‘Monogamy Mystery: Natural /Unnatural?’ have created a major stir via social media following a recent interview he did with the ‘Jamaica Gleaner’ while on the island promoting his book.

Posted on Facebook, the Jamaica Gleaner said, “Men and women were meant to have multiple partners, and to force themselves to stick to one mate is actually fighting against their very nature, says Bishop John Cline, a senior pastor at the New Life Baptist Church in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and author of the book Monogamy Mystery: Natural /Unnatural?, Why he thinks polygamy is the natural nature of man: http//bit.ly/1HS9nXd.”

Cline lambasted

The post on the Jamaica Gleaner’s Facebook page, up to post time of this article, had 426 likes, 758 shares and 584 comments, many of which harshly attacked Cline.

“You're a disgrace to Christianity,” a Kadesha Ricketts posted. Mario David Bentley commented, “I no what that man up to...don’t send your daughter to his church.” Bella Rose-Johnson posted, “Would not surprise me if he is also an abusive undercover pimp... Mr you need to never utter to another soul that you are a bishop again. Uuuggh these false prophet types just annoy me to no ends of the earth.” Briana D. Baker wrote “Blood against this! False teachings.” Gemini Nembhardt commented, “Him want a box, bout pastor, disgraceful. No Bible teach you that. Looking excuse for the careless man dem.”

‘Clip sending wrong message’

Following the widespread stir that has hit the blogs under that post and its massive reposts/share and further circulation via other forms on social media, this news site sought a comment from Bishop Cline who promptly made a disclaimer when he said, “The clip is not a quote from me. It is the reporter trying to capture in her own words what part of my discussion was about. If you read the whole article you will get the gist of what I was saying but the clip has done what the devil intended for it to do; to mislead, to create sensation and to cause John Cline haters to hate him more. But it’s really sending the wrong message.”

Bishop Cline made it clear; however, that he does not mind the noise. “The funny thing is this, while people may see, even if I had said it, the amount of hatred kind of response is far more ungodly than what I would have said because you have to ask yourself the question; Are these people really godly people if they can hate their brother and all the names that some of them are doing and still call themselves godly people while avoiding or hiding from a true discussion about infidelity in our community?”

The real message

He further went on the say, “Just as it is not natural for me to do stuff that the bible has asked me to do like love my enemies, bless them that curse me, do good to them that despitefully use me and persecute me, it is not natural either for humans to be monogamous. That is the point of the book, that is the point I have been trying to communicate- that monogamy is a spiritual and godly calling and a discipline and in order to achieve it one must submit themselves to that spiritual lifestyle.”

The man of the cloth said he thinks that everyone in some way or another, either directly or indirectly, has been on the receiving end or the giving end of infidelity.

“So it is really surprising to me why something as popular as infidelity is not being discussed, not being talked about and as to how we can better avoid it, handle the fall outs, the lives that have been affected in some way or another, whether it be children, man, woman, husband, wife, family breaking up. Why is it that we find it so hard to talk about something that has cost so much damage in our community?”

Bishop Cline further posited that if infidelity was an outbreak of a disease it would have already been dealt with. “…but because we see it as just something else we don’t deal with it. The truth of the matter is that it causes extensive damage in our society and in our communities and to the lives of people and I believe this book Monogamy Mystery offers instructive and informative ways in dealing with it.”

To give further clarification and stimulate discussion on the content of his now controversial book, Bishop Cline said he will soon be holding a community caucus where all and sundry would be invited.

“For whoever wants to come and have clarity around the subject and the matter from his perspective, they are able to share their opinion and thoughts and we can have a healthy discussion around the subject.”

Support for Cline

While many comments under the Facebook post have been negative, there have also been comments in support of Cline’s views.

Colin Morris’ comment in support of Bishop Cline drew 286 likes and 25 replies. “It is obvious that most of who are commenting have not read the article. Please read the entire article. He is not saying man should have multiple women...he is saying it is in the nature of humans to find other persons attractive. He goes on to say to be faithful requires a person to pursue spiritual life and that human cannot live a completely faithful life without the help of God.”

Sanjay Powell’s post was liked by 95 Facebook users. “People stop making comments based on the headlines you all sound ignorant because you did not read the entire article. Go read before you comment, headlines are just to get your attention. Always funny to see the stupid and hateful comments people make without reading! Do your blood pressure a favor and read.”

Alex Xander’s comment had 75 likes. “Laugh all we want but it’s true. Being married doesn't stop you from having urges for another woman, you fight your nature because you love, honour and respect that woman. However, deep down inside....the urge is real!”

Meanwhile, Bishop Cline has also encouraged persons to buy the book and read for themselves rather than depend on others to interpret for them and possibly give the wrong message.

56 Responses to “‘You’re a disgrace to Christianity!’ Bishop Cline blasted on FB”

Pastor, sorry you cannot sue the Jamaica Gleaner on Criminal Defamation for libel. It was abolished on November 5, 2013. I know you would have hit them hard. Please don't waste your time outing allegations. You should have known, the enemy is still out there trying to get God's people. Cheers to your book.

@ Unable to Sue... How is he suppose to sue anyone whether or not he could, when he is on video stating exactly what is reported. Those are his words and his voice. There is no libel. HE IS A DISGRACE TO THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Two cents is a right name for you. We all know it is NOT the interviewed person who puts up and decides on the Headline! He does not need a headline to say buy the book. You think he wrote a book to not ask persons to buy it????

If the author is guilty he should confess in his church while preaching and ask forgiveness of his flock. Do not point a hand when preaching, turn it inward too and seek God,s forgiveness. He forgives all who turn to Hin.

Lengthy reading is the issue in this territory, and because of this, SOME people are not going to read this entire story either. For 2 reasons they are going to continue blogging ignorance; 1. They already have their personal opinion of the Bishop, and 2. They are not going to read the entire article......only the Headline. The book is deep, and it opens up our awareness concerning faithfulness and unfaithfulness in relationships. The scriptures to back up his statements is also helpful. If truth be told, without the spirit leading it will be impossible to be faithful in a marriage, in any relationship......even as a christian. Read the book people, and stop repeating the ignorance of others. Read it in it's entirety......then come with your own opinion.

“It is obvious that most of who are commenting have not read the article."

What's new...... They see a misleading headline and they jump to typing nonsense. I have come to the realization that most people are not very bright. I see it time and time again on here. I get what you are saying John. I'm not a member of your church but your point is a fair one. But hey, when selling a book, any publicity is good publicity...

How many of you have read the book? But you are quick to judge. You watch one very sorry piece of a whole long interview, read one headline of the book and are already quick to judge. The man is taking truth and now you want to crucify him. Ye without sin cast the first stone.

I don't have to buy or read his book as my bible is greater authority. He is "God" in the eyes of his congregation and as long as he does or say something, no matter how wrong or right he might be, they all get highly offended once anyone says anything against him. His flock gives him more glory than what they give to the Most High God. People need to know God and know the word of God for themselves, that way they wouldn't be led astray by anyone.

The bible is the greatest authority yes but nothing in The Monogamy Mystery contradicts the bible and some of us holding on to the Bible don't even really understand it in its entirety. Read the book and judge him on that. If you knew the word of God you would agree with the book and not live based on cultural socialisation and calling that the word of God. The book is deep and most people can't handle deep, so hence the fall out. It is sad. And for the record, no one glorifies the Bishop and he does not require glorification. NLBC simply will not help the devil and all his imps to destroy a man, yes with his challenges, but truly a man of God with a heart that understands God. Why can we understand David and read and quote all the Psalms he wrote but not John . Is it because, John is one of us? God is love.

Bishop John Ivan Cline, we know people love to hate you because you are a successful businessman, a genuinely kind person, and an excellent pastor. Don't mind the noise of the insignificant people. We, your church family, love you and we support you wholeheartedly

We are so predictable as a people, its no wonder we are still enslaved. Read people, develop the love to read. Perhaps King James should have put that in the Bible. Black people, thou shalt read if you want to free your minds from slavery!!

This is hilarious! Everyone focus on the bull$$&% part rather than the reality part. Humans are HUMAN! Going to Church, believing in God and being married does NOT stop you from getting a HARD ON if someone that you are attracted to passes by, that's basically what the man is saying. Human nature cannot be tamed! You do not have sex with another person when you are married out of principle. It doesn't mean that you cannot be attracted to someone else, that's all the man is saying. People making it seem as if once you are married and attend church your c**k or p***y only works for your spouse, that's why so many ending up in the crazy house because they hold on to fantasy and kick reality out the door. Keep it up!

All of them fake bishops pasters deacon ministers God is exposing this is the year, because so many honest people who want to live a clean christian life are lead astray by these wolfs in sheep cloth, if i was going to his church i would have stop because i can't afford that spirit to come on me,many of his followers don't see anything wrong because they themself are operating n control by that same spirit , but leaders of the blind shall lead the blind and they shall all fall in a ditch ,scrpt says it ,,

Simple for all the critics of Cline's book and interview, ask yourself this. Which one of you married or unmarried is only attracted to one person. If its natural to be attracted to only one person then one must believe we all have a soul mate. so which one of you have found your soul mate and why is it so hate to find that mate. So either we all have a soul mate for which we will only be attracted to or its normal to be attracted to more that one person.

It take a mental effort to not being with some one else after you are involved and that effort is made less of a strain if there is a real connection.

@grace
Tek care hell that when God starts to expose, who you expect to fall will remain standing strong; and who you least expect makes you get a stroke. Remember, God doesnt hate and condemn like man. He is a loving and forgiving God......and He doesnt judge us by our outer appearances but he judges from the heart. What is your motive for writing what you wrote? For building up or tearing down? God knows our motives also. You need to change your hide behind the blogging nickname from "grace" to "judge"because you have not only judged the Bishop.....but also the members also. You seem to be one of those laugh in the face and stab in the back persons who are just on the sidelines waiting for the down fall of Bishop Cline and the members of NLBC.....and if it were up to you any many others, it would have been done a long time ago. But God is our only judge...."our".....all of "us"......including "you" and all who continuously speak evil against this man of God; so be very careful that the fire you spit out at him, or any other person for that matter being used by God, dont
backfire on you.

Leave the man alone. He is honest. The white men who stole the Christianity story from the ancient Egyptians (Black People) and passed it on to us putting the story as theirs, you are not cussing them?
The white men who enslaved our people using the Bible, you are not cussing them?
The white men who said they are part of the 12 tribes or Israel and they lie like a fly, you are not cussing them?
The white men, who told us the biggest lie about the Bible, you are not cussing them?
The white men, who did not tell you that the First five books of the Bible were not written by Moses, but existed 3000 years before Moses birth, you are not cussing them?
The white men who hid from you that the Torah was not written by them, but existed in a book called "The Egyptin Book of the Dead Coming Forth By Day and Night, you are not cussing them?
The white men who said Moses brought down ten commandments from Mt. Sini, when there were 42 such commandments already existing in the book: The Egyptians Coming Forth By Day and Night thousands of years before Moses was born, you are not cussing them?
The white men, who brainwashed you and told you to wait for your heaven in the sky, you are not cussing him?
When the story is told of David in the Bible who had many women, but yet was a man after God's own heart, you are not cussing about that?
When Solomon had 1000 wives and concubines in the same Bible, you are not cussing him, but singing the praises of these men, how hypocritical are you?
If God doesn't change and you could love 1000 women then and still love God, you can do the same today.
Isn't God a spirit and you worship him in spirit and in truth? The man told the truth.
What do you really believe then?
If God is the same as in time past and he loved David and Solomon, and Moses the Murderer, why can't he love Bishop John Cline?
He spoke his heart. He spoke the truth. He told you his belief. Why are you cussing the man then?
Didn't Jesus, your New Testament Saviour told you that "all things are possible if you believe?"
Well, that is John Cline's belief. It means that he can be pologyamous and love God too.
Stop the discrimination and let him serve his God. It is between him and God.

Hi Stop it. It is amazing how you spoke professionally over the subject of the Bible. You said that the while man deceived or brainwashed man and handed them Bible yet you believe Bishop Cline should be allowed t do his thing according to his understanding of the Bible. You feel that the Bible permitted Solomon to have 1000 wives ad concubines yet God did not reprove him. So anyone who wants many wives should be free. No man, if Bible is a materials for brainwashing, then everything about it should be thrown away. Obviously you do not know the Bible and should not make categorical statements about God. By the way, Solomon suffered for his act. He repented of his deeds and warned "all is vanity and vanity of vanities. David paid dearly for is. Everyone who practiced polygamy in the Bible did it under permissive will and suffered for it.

You are wrong about your conclusion. Solomon did not suffer totally because of the number of wives he had. He suffered because of the types of wives he chose. They made him follow other Gods: 2 Kings 11:3-12. That was why he was punished. Also, God warned the kings of Israel not to have many wives so he was in conflict against God. Only the kings had this warning as they were not to be preoccupied with distractions but leadership. Read the Bible please. On David, see 2 Samuel 12: 7-14. God was going to give David more wives. His punishment was for sleeping with a man's wife not for having wives: Deuteronomy 17:17 Permissive will yes but did God view it as a sin? That is the real question. He never punished it. He punished adultery though and there is a difference. Read the book!!!

How is it that in the Muslim culture and some African nations a man can have as many wives as he can support and this does not hinder his spiritual walk and is accepted? It is because that is part of their laws and customs. The New Testament which advocate one wife rule was written by men like me and you. What they wrote.... their opinions. Take it or leave it. God didn't give them nothing to write. They wrote what came to their mind. Until we start to put a reality view on the Bible, we going always be accepting what was written without question in the year 1660. What does spirituality have to do with the natural traits of man? That is why we have so much divorces today. If the man was allowed to have six of them that he can handle properly, then all and sundry would be happy. When one woman acting up, go over by Susie. When the other one cutting the fool and you can't stand her no more, divorce her and move on. Eventually, woman and man would settle down. While we attribute some behavioral patterns of men to the prescribed societal moral views, we ask, by whose morals do we judge the individual? Religion always forcing people to get married, get married when someone is in the church. All the marriage is is a licence to have sex. If consenting adults want to engage in a natural act, just do it, why you have to go tie down yourself in a marriage? I got sex; she got sex both were happy, story done. Bishop Cline is the only pastor who got guts to say it like it is. In the meantime what some of them doing, scooping, hiding, lusting after Sister Jane and secretly knocking out Sister Mary. A lot of them doing it and hiding. The man stated his view. We should let him fix that aspect of his life. This is a natural thing. Roll, John Cline, roll on all who eligible and come in your way!! You's real man.

Kill me if I'm wrong, but I actually heard this notion from a Rasta man about this ... that men were to have many wives !!!! This poses the difficulty why men and women "Cheat" .... because its suppose to be the norm !!! .... Half of you on here who are against his speaking --- bet you man or woman piling on your head and some of you know and the others of you are just naïve !!!!!!!!!!!! But in retrospect, I actually heard and try to understand someone else belief and explanation on this !!!!!! So before bashing him, try to understand and research where he's coming from !!!

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